The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 149

After all, it was her second time around the block.

To walk away and start over would mean a third attempt at matrimonial bliss.

A second marriage aiready takes guts, and the thought of facing the social pressure that comes with another divorce was daunting.

Young people might not think much of it, but for parents, the weight of such matters is no small burden.

Jocelyn thought Quinta had a pretty carefree take on life. If things weren’t working out, there was no shame in calling it quits. But the general consensus was to make do, to try and stick it out, and to promote reconciliation over separation.

Jocelyn didn’t press the issue, just said, “Do whatever feels right for you.”

Quinta nodded.

As they got into the car, Jocelyn recalled something Quinta had said before whether you’re married or single, you’ll regret anyway.

It’s kind of addictive, really. When you’re single you long for partnership. And once hitched, you pine for solitude. In truth, if two people are happy together, that’s all that matters. If not, parting ways isn’t the end of the world.

If a relationship is solid, it doesn’t need the crutch of marriage. If it’s not, marriage would just be a shackle for both parties.

It seemed that she was no longer that keen on marriage.

In the car, Daisy whispered to Jocelyn, “Your aunt told me Quinta and Damian are on the rocks again.” Jocelyn stayed silent with her head bowed.

“What is all this toil for? Daisy shook her head, “Your uncle’s all about keeping up appearances. He’s been teaching his whole life, working hard to see Quinta succeed professionally. But now her marriage…”

“Everyone’s got their own destiny,” Calvin chimed in, with not much else to say.

“Mom, tell Auntie to relax. Quinta’s an adult. She knows how to manage her own marriage. What’s meant to be will be, and there’s no use forcing things,” Jocelyn said.

“You’re right,” Calvin agreed. “Everything’s in fate’s hands.”

Daisy interjected, We raise our kids hoping they’ll find their happy lives. A good marriage is like a second birth for a woman. When our time comes, we want to leave this world knowing they’re settled.”

“Mom, marriage shouldn’t be the yardstick for a woman’s happiness. As long as she’s happy and has no regrets, that’s what counts. You two just enjoy your lives. Don’t impose yourselves so many worries and pressure.”

Daisy frowned, “But we raise our children with the hope that they’ll build a happy family themselves. It’s an instinct.”

I understand. But if it’s not there, why force it?” Jocelyn didn’t want to argue. But the unspoken pressure from her parents was palpable. “People make their choices, pick their paths. If they’ve chosen to be together, they should work on it. Do you think Quinta’s blameless in her marriage? They say it takes two to tango. Damian’s hardly home, still entangled with his ex. Isn’t it because Quinta hasn’t given him a child?”

Jocelyn felt a tightness in her chest, “Mom, shouldn’t a husband who loves his wife spend more time comforting her when she’s struggling with infertility, rather than neglecting her and keeping ties with his ex? Isn’t that disrespectful and unfair to Quinta? Quinta has tried long to have kids, but Damian wasn’t cooperative at all. What could she do? He was aware of her health issues before they married, and now he acts like she’s

the one at fault. Who’s really the problem here?”

Jocelyn couldn’t hold back her anger anymore.

Daisy’s expression darkened.

Calvin quickly intervened, “Alright, let’s stop arguing.”

Daisy glared at Jocelyn and turned away, giving her the cold shoulder.

Jocelyn took a deep breath, knowing she might have been too harsh. But she truly disliked the implication that the woman was always to blame for marital issues.

It was as if any problem between a couple was the woman’s fault.

Jocelyn fell silent.

Jocelyn, Calvin tried to change the subject, “have you and Harrison been on the outs? Haven’t heard you two on the phone or even mention him lately.”

Daisy moved a bit, clearly eavesdropping, yet pretending not to.

Jocelyn was caught off guard by the sudden shift to her personal life.

“No, both of us have been busy lately. Not much time for daily calls.” Jocelyn said, “He did suggest taking you guys to Berry City before the school year started, but I figured it would be too rushed. Maybe we’ll plan it for a long weekend or some other holiday.”

‘That’s good, Calvin relaxed a bit. He came looking for you during the holidays, and that’s when I found out you hadn’t told him about your volunteer teaching in the rural areas. He spent the holiday with you there and was very thoughtful to us, brought lots of goodies after he came back. Harrison seems like a really good guy. You must treat him right.”

Jocelyn looked down and didn’t respond.

“Jocelyn, did you hear me?” Calvin pressed as she remained silent.

She nodded reluctantly, “Yeah.”

When they reached their stop, Jocelyn dropped her parents off at home and headed back to her own apartment.

That evening, Ursula had arranged to meet up for dinner and share the hilarity of her latest blind date.

“You wouldn’t believe how vain this guy was. He plunked his BMW keys on the table right away and apologized for being late, saying he’d just been at the bank for a ‘big withdrawal’ that needed an appointment. Honestly, I just wanted to roll my eyes at him.

Okay, let us spare him if he was really busy. But then he kept checking his phone during the dinner and said, ‘Sorry, doing business is like this. We hardly get any time off, not like you teachers with your modest salaries and easy schedules. Plus, you get long breaks when you have kids I swear, my head was buzzing when I heard that.

And then, here comes the kicker. He said as he set down his phone and began to lay out his demands, ‘My time is precious. And if I’m out here dating, it’s all about swift decisions. Let’s just get our cards on the table.’ He proceeded, ‘If we tie the knot, we gotta do a prenup to sort out our assets. I’ve bought a house, but it’s mortgaged up to the rafters. Naturally, the house is mine and I wouldn’t let you pay for that debt. I’ll give you a monthly allowance of two-hundred dollars for living expenses, which should cover everything you need. You’ve got plenty of vacation days, so it’s perfect to keep my parents company. You can take them on a little trip and J’ll foot the bill. Just be sure to keep all the receipts, including the bus tickets. That’s what he said night in the first date.”

Jocelyn’s brows furrowed tighter as she listened.

Ursula took a swig of her beer and shook her head, continuing with dramatic flair, “By that point, I was totally

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turned off. I cut him off and said I wasn’t thinking that far ahead. First dates are about whether there’s a spark or not. Then he has the nerve to ask, ‘So, you’re saying I don’t strike your fancy?’ Ha! I told him politely but frankly that he wasn’t possibly to be my type.”

Jocelyn chuckled.

“After that, I didn’t let the guy pay the bill for me. We went Dutch and I left as fast as I could,” Ursula scoffed with a smirk. “I just can’t believe it! Some people think they’re all that because they’ve got a little cash? Typical self-conceited guy!”

Jocelyn commented, “Well, it’s all relatively speaking, isn’t it? He’s not the worst out there.”

“Doesn’t catch my eye anyway,” Ursula dismissed him entirely.

“Not handsome enough? Jocelyn probed.

“Not handsome at all. If he had the looks of someone like Melvin or Harrison, maybe I’d give him a chance and see if I could work my magic on him,” Ursula remarked bluntly.

Jocelyn smiled briefly, “Yeah, I get you. Attraction often comes first, doesn’t it?”

Ursula perked up at that, “Don’t tell me you fell for Melvin’s charm first.”

“That’s true,” Jocelyn admitted with candor, “But then, as they say, charm isn’t always reliable.”